I went to Joseph's house yesterday (the accompanist) and it turned out to be rather funny and relaxing. At first he wanted a one-hour lesson, but then after playing with me once, he decided that there was nothing else we needed to work on. Lesson was over in 20mins and he decided that he'd only collect payment for that lesson after a last rehearsal and the actual performance. It's a rather good price compared to the last accompanist I had for grade 7 and 8. Her's was terribly overpriced. It's good to have an accompanist who's a Christian and related to someone you know, because you can be sure that you won't be over charged. Mom and him discovered that they both knew xiu juan ls. She was his NAFA classmate or something, and they met up regularly. The world is so small.

My day got more interesting and the world became smaller. I met Mr Lee at Gramercy. He was looking at some double bass bows. Then he started telling me about how the concert next Tuesday was called off. He also got a shock on Friday because no seniors turned up. In return, I got a shock because I didn't know. Apart from shocking each other, we had a friendly chat on the CCA. (Oh and Natalie, have you bought your violin yet? Mr Lee saw you the other day and negotiated a 10% discount for you, but was wondering whether you eventually bought a violin there.) I realised that as a musician, it's important to have good relations with the music circle. The music circle consists of a few music shops, musicians and luthiers (instrument makers). That way, you can get better pricing and trustworthy advice.

I was surprised the Gramercy staff could recognise me and my violin even though the last time I was there was more than half a year ago. One guy introduced me to a carbon bow, similar to my carbon bow, but much lighter. I tried it out. That one was hollow inside and it had the feel of a super light badminton racquet. I didn't dare to look at the price tag and had to convince myself to remain loyal to my current bow. Mom asked me if I wanted to buy a case. I was eyeing on the hard, light and waterproof ones. The guy opened a particular one that smelled like the inside of a BMW. I like some of the cases, but they didn't quite suit my needs. There was the very light and compact type, but it could not fit more than a violin and bow (means I have to hand-carry my shoulder rest). There was even one that couldn't fit a bow. There was a type that had everything I wanted, except that it weighed a ton. Therefore, I am not sure about my next move.

Last night, I looked at the NJC web site and it suddenly occurred to me that my DSA application failed. I thought all applicants would have to go for their aptitude test (tomorrow) and was suspicious on why they hadn't informed me about it yet. Then I looked more closely and saw that it said only successful CCA applicants would be required to take the test. The fact that they have not contacted me means I probably failed the audition. I was quite confident I'd get in because NJC also got bronze for SYF, so I thought I'd have a higher chance. I also began to like the environment there because it would suit my interest of math and science. I was already contemplating on whether or not to hand in the rest of my DSA applications because I already set my mind on NJC. But now, it looks like I won't be able to get in the "easy" way. 5 points for my O levels is going to take a big miracle to achieve. Right now, I'm still contemplating on whether or not to hand in the rest of my DSA applications, but due to a different set of reasons. The schools I'm planning to DSA into are supposedly "better" schools - ACJC (silver) and RJC (gold with honours). If even NJC doesn't think I'm good enough, what more would RJC or ACJC. They'd really be wasting their time processing my application. Sigh... This is demoralising. I need to buck up on violin.

Going for church retreat tomorrow. Jean won't be going and hence mom won't be going this time. I think I'll end up sharing room with dad. That means it's going to be hard doing what teenagers like doing at night - sneaking out to each others' rooms. Ah well, it's actually already a known fact that teenagers do that, but I reminded him that I might be coming back to the room late (or rather early in the morning). He just smiled to himself. I wonder if that's a yes or a no. I'll find out this week.